John Williams Popular Song Rankings [2026]

E.T. movie themeJohn Williams29rank/position

E.T. movie theme – full -HQ

This is the main theme from Steven Spielberg’s classic sci-fi fantasy E.T.

The music was composed by the legendary film composer John Williams.

It’s grand, full of dreams and kindness.

It’s also familiar from USJ TV commercials.

When I listen to it, I picture E.T.

whispering “Elliott” and reaching out his finger.

Entry into the Great Hall and the BanquetJohn Williams30rank/position

Entry into the Great Hall and the Banquet

This is the background music used in the scene where Harry and the other first-years enter the Great Hall—often featured in the film series—for the first time.

The melody conveys Harry’s fluttering excitement at discovering the wizarding world as well as a hint of nervousness about what kind of school life awaits him.

And “Banquet” means “feast.” If you’ve seen the movie, as you listen you can’t help but have the image come back to you of everyone seated in rows at the long tables, eating together.

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Fawkes the PhoenixJohn Williams31rank/position

Fawkes the Phoenix

This is the piece that plays during Fawkes the phoenix’s appearance in the second installment, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

It begins with an intro that evokes the graceful figure that even made Dumbledore declare, “A truly beautiful creature,” then moves into a mystical melody representing the scene where he bursts into flames and is reborn from the ashes.

Finally, it reaches its conclusion as he seems to soar through the sky, spreading his crimson wings and trailing his golden tail.

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Fluffy’s HarpJohn Williams32rank/position

Fluffy’s Harp

Do you remember the scene at the entrance to the adventure leading down into Hogwarts’ depths, where they face Fluffy, the giant three-headed dog? To lull the terrifying guard dog to sleep, this piece unfolds as a mysterious track in which the harp’s graceful melodies intertwine with low woodwinds that sound like a beast’s breathing.

It was composed by John Williams.

Its timbre, where tension and calm coexist, is recommended for quiet nights when you want to settle your mind, or for those who want to savor a slightly mysterious mood.

Gilderoy LockhartJohn Williams33rank/position

Gilderoy Lockhart

This is the theme song of Gilderoy Lockhart, a character from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Lockhart served as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

He’s a confident man who has published numerous books recounting his own exploits.

As for what he’s really like… I’d be grateful if you could watch the film to see for yourself, but this piece perfectly captures his character.

Doesn’t it give off a vibe that there’s something a bit shady going on beneath the surface?

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Harry’s Wondrous WorldJohn Williams34rank/position

Harry’s Wondrous World (Extended Version)

The string-led phrases make me imagine the beginning of a story.

It’s a main theme–type piece used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Its structure feels like a combination of several pieces of background music from the films, so you might picture different scenes as it plays.

True to the title, the sound conveys Harry’s excitement and sense of anticipation as he finds himself living in a mysterious world.

If you’re thinking of diving into the series’ music, this is the one to start with!

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Hogwarts Forever! and The Moving StairsJohn Williams35rank/position

Hogwarts Forever! and the Moving Stairs

Hogwarts, the storied school of magic.

This piece pays tribute to its narrative richness and sense of wonder.

The horn section’s expansive tone feels great, doesn’t it? The “The Moving Stairs” in the latter half of the title refers to the moving staircases—stairs that change position on their own so you suddenly can’t reach places you could before, like capricious living creatures.

It’s such a uniquely magical-world concept, isn’t it? Makes you want to set foot in the magic school yourself.

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